The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission has arrested Nigerian singer Oladapo Oyebanji, better known by his stage name D'banj (ICPC).
The singer was arrested several weeks after failing to appear for agency interrogations regarding fraud allegations.
According to Premium Times, Dbanj was apprehended on Tuesday after ICPC operatives surrounded him, forcing him to surrender at the agency's headquarters in Abuja.
The agency accused the singer of fraudulently diverting hundreds of millions of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for the N-Power project, a youth empowerment program established by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and social development.
D'banj allegedly conspired with some government officials to add ghost beneficiaries to the scheme's payroll.
The stipend is then paid to the beneficiaries' accounts, which are now allegedly linked to the pop star.
Despite multiple invitations, the musician failed to appear for interrogation, prompting the ICPC to seek his arrest, forcing him to appear at the commission's office on Tuesday.
D'banj was detained after being subjected to a lengthy interrogation session upon his arrival.
He was also denied administrative bail because the agency believes he would be unable to attend his trial if released on bail.
According to sources, the ICPC may petition the court on Wednesday for an extended remand order to allow the agency to complete its investigation before charging the musician in court.
Azuka Ogugua, the ICPC's spokesperson, could not be reached for comment on this story. She is said to be attending a program in another country. Because he was detained, the musician could not be reached for comment.
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